Freda T. Beckham, age 89 of Hot Springs, SD passed away November 10, 2008 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

Freda was born November 26, 1918 in Curtis, AR to Alfred and Gertrude (McGee) Prentice. She attended elementary and high school in Arkadelphia, AR graduating in 1935. She received her BS degree from Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia in 1939. Freda work at the VA Medical Center in Durham, NC and then at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs, SD until her retirement on November 23, 1976. She married Louie S. Hoffman in 1965. After the death of her first husband she married J.L. Beckham in Hot Springs on June 10, 1969.

Freda was a life member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Before her stroke in 1996 she loved to sew and make her own wardrobe.

Freda is survived by her husband, J.L. 'Jay' Beckham of Hot Springs and many wonderful friends and family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Barbara.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2008 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2008 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills, Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.